With Alleria

The other four masters gave Master Bridges Dawnwind meaningful looks. How could the other masters fail to think of something he had thought of? Which family Patrick would favor would all be decided behind closed doors. The Dawnwind family had its own plans, but Dawnstar, Sunwing, and the other families had their own methods too.

But if Patrick refused to become a subordinate of the council, the entire council would naturally unite to suppress him. Although its members schemed against one another, whenever the council's collective interests were involved, they generally presented a united front, working together against a common enemy.

Senyor Sunwing proposed, "Alleria should continue overseeing the defense of Eversong Woods. She is already a Ranger Marshal, so we should grant only material rewards, without any further promotion in rank." This passed unanimously without question. Alleria was the eldest daughter of the Windrunner family and had already reached the rank of Ranger Marshal. There had long been no further reward or title to grant her; a few material rewards would suffice.

The Windrunner family commanded all the Farstriders of Quel'Thalas, but the absence of any arcanists in the family meant that its members could not sit on the Silvermoon Council. Thus, although the Windrunners were the greatest warlords in Quel'Thalas, they were subject to the council's control and held no political power. Neither the king nor the council needed to impose further restrictions on the Windrunner family.

Such was the council system: nothing but a sham run by families.

The scenery at the East Sanctum was beautiful. Golden magical trees surrounded the small town, amid elven buildings with red patterns on white walls. Pale blue mana wyrms darted among the trees, and there were docile lynxes as well. Before the Sunwell went dark, everything was so harmonious.

But one thing had surprised Patrick: creatures such as lynxes and dragonhawks were all very docile now. The lynxes were large. According to Patrick's memories of his previous life, they should have been large felines and extremely dangerous, yet the lynxes here lived and played alongside the elves. Such gentleness was truly rare.

Some elves frolicked and played with lynxes on the grass, while others fed them. The lynxes did not even mind the elves stroking their bodies, heads, and exposed saber teeth. Some lay resting beside elves, basking in the sunlight unique to the elves of Eversong Woods and sharing in their peace and comfort.

No wonder those rich people in my previous life liked keeping big cats like tigers and lions, Patrick thought.

The Silvermoon Council's decision arrived. A council envoy came to the East Sanctum to convey its orders. Alleria remained unruffled, showing little expression when she learned of the resolution. After all, she had long since grown accustomed to the council's routines, and this time was no different. Patrick was rather pleased to learn that the council had decided to award him the Sun Temple. After all, he was receiving a Mage Tower outright, and its distance from Silvermoon City would make developing his own power relatively easy.

Obtaining a Mage Tower was equivalent to a scientist acquiring a laboratory of his own; its significance went without saying. Moreover, the presence of a Mage Tower readily fostered a sense of belonging, attracting others to join Patrick and become part of his ranks.

Patrick was delighted. The arcane energy throughout his body grew fervent and vibrant as the spellcaster's spirits rose. The energy he radiated affected Alleria beside him, surrounding and engulfing her in his arcane aura.

"Mr. Patrick Cabrolon, if possible, please proceed to the Sun Temple to take up your post at once. The council has decided to renovate the Mage Tower for you to make your daily life there more convenient." The council's envoy offered the suggestion very politely.

"I will," Patrick replied.

"Here are the Mage Tower's arcane energy node scroll, the Silvermoon Council's letter of appointment, and detailed information concerning the tower. You may make adjustments to the tower's interior and then submit an application to the council."

With the Mage Tower's node scroll and letter of appointment in his hands, the Sun Temple officially belonged to Patrick. Possessing a Mage Tower also meant that Patrick had begun entering the ruling class of the Kingdom of Quel'Thalas.

From now on, Patrick could establish his own troops, have his own laboratory, and study his magic in peace. He might even have apprentices of his own. After he saw the council's messenger off, the atmosphere suddenly grew rather quiet.

"The council really is generous to you, giving you a Mage Tower outright." There was a slight note of resentment in Alleria's voice, and her neck and face were flushed.

Alleria also knew that, as a Ranger Marshal, she could rise no further, so she had held little expectation for the council's decision regarding her reward.

"Pat, the council's reward for you really did exceed my expectations a little. You won your first battle with the troops, and they gave you a large Mage Tower outright. When did the council become so generous?" Alleria said.

Patrick asked, "Is the Sun Temple very large?"

"Of course. The Sun Temple is the foremost Mage Tower in the Ghostlands. It connects the two Crystal Temples, An'telas and An'owyn, and also watches over Sebunwa, the troll outpost of Zul'Aman. It is a six-story Mage Tower."

"Pat." Alleria's expression grew a little downcast.

"Yes?"

"When do you plan to go to the Sun Temple?" Alleria asked dejectedly.

"Probably fairly soon. I want to quicken the pace of my pursuit of the arcane, so I have to make every minute count."

"Why are you in such a hurry?"

"Because..." Patrick said only that word, but his eyes, which occasionally spilled arcane power, remained fixed on Alleria.

For the first time, the female elf felt that mages were not so rigid and stubborn after all.

"Alleria, help me with something." Patrick abandoned his tender gaze and spoke solemnly.

"What is it?"

"Don't let the land at Zeb'Watha go to waste. We can build a new camp there," Patrick suggested.

"I never intended to let it go to waste. I plan to establish a sentry post on the western shore of Lake Elrendar to monitor the trolls' movements across the river. Zeb'Watha will be put to use again as a Farstrider camp." Alleria nodded and told Patrick her future plans for Zeb'Watha.

"When we fought in the Life Forest last time, I noticed that the land was very suitable for growing alchemy herbs. Once the camp and sentry post are established, we can clear land there and plant alchemy herbs."

Alleria considered it thoughtfully. Patrick's Cabrolon family was a family of alchemists, so naturally he knew alchemical ingredients inside out. Patrick's intentions did not conflict with her plans. They could proceed at the same time and even earn substantial profits. Why not?